Novotel to Open in Victoria Falls, Marking Accor’s Entry into Zimbabwe

by Tony
(Victoria Falls)

26th June 2025

Global hotel group Accor has announced its first venture into Zimbabwe with the planned launch of Novotel Victoria Falls, a new-build hotel expected to open in 2028. The announcement was made during the Future Hospitality Summit Africa, signalling Accor’s strategic entry into one of Africa’s most iconic tourism destinations.

The 111-room hotel will be developed in partnership with Eagle Real Estate Investment Trust, a Zimbabwean development-focused REIT, and will form part of the Eagle Heights precinct overlooking the Masuwe River. This prime location offers easy access to the mighty Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Novotel Victoria Falls will offer a modern, family-friendly experience with amenities such as an outdoor pool, kids' club, all-day dining, and a signature bar. The hotel aims to cater to both leisure and adventure travellers, capitalising on the area's popularity for activities like bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and helicopter tours.

Accor’s Chief Development Officer for the region, Maya Ziade, described the move as a "bold step" in the group’s expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa, positioning Novotel as a key player in Victoria Falls’ growing hospitality sector.

Bevin Ngara, Managing Director of Eagle Asset Managers, highlighted the partnership as a milestone in bringing global hospitality standards to the area, with positive impacts expected for both local communities and investors.

This will be Zimbabwe’s first internationally branded Novotel, adding to Accor’s extensive global portfolio of over 590 Novotel properties in 68 countries.

We can see the external works have started for this project. The roads and services are currently under construction. It will be interesting to see when the actual hotel construction starts and if it will indeed be completed in 2028.

The location is interesting, as it is close enough to the town and has a good view but it's in the flight path of one of the helicopter companies and not far from the cities dump site. Maybe they will be relocating those?